South Island Maori perceptions of biotechnology

Abstract

Biotechnology is the use of living organisms to make products and solve problems. In New Zealand, it has made national headlines through public controversies over genetically modified corn, cloned sheep and the transplantation of animal cells into human bodies. Whilst scientists and government bodies make decisions regarding the applicability and ethical standards of such research, the public are sometimes not given full attention in this decision making process.

In a study of South Island Maori perceptions of biotechnology 22 interviews and/or focus groups were conducted around the South Island involving a total of 91 people. Participants were asked to discuss different biotechnologies and their applications. The report focuses on what the participants said about the different biotechnologies with a view to providing a record of these views. In addition, key themes were identified and collated.